Natsumi in the Theater District has opened up a sister restaurant, Natsumi Tapas, in Kips Bay. The owner, restaurateur Barbara Matsumura, is no stranger to NYC dining. She is the leader behind 7 Haru Sushi locations and everyone’s favorite soup dumpling mecca Joe’s Shanghai. The interior is a large sleek space lines with floor to ceiling windows, dim lighting and multiple dining rooms. You will be welcomed by a staff that is endlessly kind.

The food is Italian and Japanese fusion. I didn’t know I needed these two food styles melded but they came together on beautifuly modern plates with varying degrees of success. What exactly is Italian Japanese fusion you ask? Think spicy tuna flatbread topped with avocado and caviar. Or, basil pesto-teriyaki meatballs. There is a generous menu with ample selection of food, and I mean AMPLE. You could eat your way through tapas, seafood, pasta, sushi, and dumplings for days. The specialty rolls were excellent and I particularly recommend doing yourself a favor by ordering the Wolf Hall roll which is tempura fried and topped with spicy fish. The options are great for sharing and I would absolutely recommend bringing a big crowd. Here’s what we had: